Costco Cambodian-Style

Since the government crackdown, Sisophon market has remained free of illegal vendors.  The ones who can afford to pay the taxes can stay.  The others sell illegally elsewhere, usually in front of their house.  My favorite vegetable ladies are gone, but I can still get all the items I need (except for the few Western items I buy at Grand Mart like butter, beans, and spaghetti.) 

The vendors work long hours, and many rest in hammocks in their stall during the middle of the day.  Sometimes, I have to wake a woman to buy something, and I feel bad about it because usually it's something worth only a dollar or two.  But hey, it's either that or go without a new sponge, some dehydrated peas, or paper towels for a week.  So, I wake them up.

The vendors are separated into groups.  There's the shoe and clothes section, fruits and vegetables, toiletries, gold jewelry, and meat.  The lady above was scraping a fresh pig hoof as I walked by.  I was not in need of one at the moment, so I kept walking.  As I walk along, I hear a chorus of, "barang."  I think it's partially curiosity because so few barangs shop here, but more importantly, I think it's their way of saying, "Hey, here comes moneybags."  White equals rich - no matter who you are.

One of the moto drivers was trying to get my attention, so he said, "Bonjour Madam."  I replied, "Bonjour, Hello, Seuss-day, Hola, Sawadee-ka, Hallo, Konnichiwa!"  Then, we laughed. 

The vendors are not aggressive which makes shopping a pleasant experience.  It's not like Siem Reap or Marrakesh or Mexico.  I can actually stop and browse without hearing, "Come take a look.  I have special price for you.  You want scarf, earring?"  The ladies are very polite, and if I take an interest in their goods, they may pick up something and hold it out to me, but that is the extent of their sales techniques.  One woman had a bowl of live frogs which apparently you buy in threes since that's how they were tied together. 

This is the fabric from which women select to tailor a beautiful blouse for weddings.  They are gorgeous and expensive, even by Cambodian standards.  Usually, a woman will own one shirt which she wears to every wedding. 

You may be wondering the prices of items in Sisophon.  I spend about $30 per week on food, toiletries, and cleaning products.  This list should provide an idea of the cost of goods.

• Bar of soap = .50
• Small dove deodorant = 1.15
• Colgate Plax mouthwash = 2.20
• Large local lotion = 3.00
• 6 pack toilet paper = 2.00
• Flip-flops = 2.00
• Sandals = 5.00
• Eraser = .25
• Notebook = .25
• Can of soda = .50
• 12 pack water bottles = 1.00
• 3 mangoes = .50
• Small watermelon = 1.00
• 10 limes = .50
• 8 eggs = 1.00
• 1 cooked corn cob = .25